Konami's tough-as-nails shoot 'em up returns to PS2, bringing with it a new character, towering bosses and a seemingly insurmountable new set of challenges. Unlike its 2D side-scrolling predecessor, Contra: Shattered Soldier, Neo Contra adds some depth to the manic proceedings onscreen with the introduction of stunningly detailed isometric 3D environments.

Guide original, grizzled Contra hero Bill Rizer or new boy Genbei Jaguer Yagyu, a mysterious samurai, through apocalyptic stages crawling with enemies, dodging attacks and letting your huge arsenal of powerful weapons do the talking. At the end of each unrelenting wave of enemies, you'll find one of Contra's huge, notoriously formidable bosses waiting for you.

Neo Contra's new 3D environments are fully interactive, and huge chunks of the landscape can be blown away altogether, resulting in a battlefield that's consistently changing and shifting. The new samurai character has his own distinct fighting style, giving you a choice as to how you want to tackle the game's legions of foes, and a new 'Hit Rate' system makes it easier to keep track of your scoring.